Portillo’s Appoints Kevin Kalicak Finance Chief
Portillo’s announces industry veteran Kevin Kalicak as its new CFO and Treasurer, underscoring the brand’s growth strategy and financial vision.
Aug 5, 2026
Portillo’s announces industry veteran Kevin Kalicak as its new CFO and Treasurer, underscoring the brand’s growth strategy and financial vision.
Aug 5, 2026
Skye Anderson will lead McDonald's USA as its new president, stepping in to accelerate growth and revive sales. Learn how her leadership could shape the future of the restaurant industry.
Aug 4, 2026
Fast-growing chain HTeaO names franchise veteran Brian Wise as CEO, fueling the brand’s ambitious growth plans and franchisee-first strategy.
Aug 4, 2026
Dave & Buster’s announces Tarun Lal’s retirement as CEO, welcoming Darin Harper to the helm as the brand continues its Back-to-Basics strategy and growth initiatives.
Aug 4, 2026
Explore restaurant payment processing and learn how payments are authorized, settled, secured, reconciled, refunded, disputed, and deposited into business accounts.
Aug 3, 2026
Checkers & Rally’s welcomes Peter Busse as Chief Development Officer, signaling a new era of strategic expansion and franchise support for the quick-service brand.
Aug 4, 2026
Restaurant owners can use this guide to evaluate employee benefits, estimate expenses, define eligibility, manage enrollment, and strengthen staff retention.
Aug 3, 2026
Krispy Kreme announces two key internal promotions, naming Suk Nicholas as Chief Commercial Officer and Lori Suess as Chief People Officer. These appointments signal a continued commitment to innovative growth and people-first strategy.
Aug 3, 2026
Domino's launches a bold campaign offering $5 off digital orders in exchange for customer feedback on its revamped app and website - signaling a new era of guest engagement for restaurant operators.
Aug 3, 2026
This guide explains restaurant accounting, covering revenue, expenses, payroll, inventory, taxes, financial statements, cash flow, and strategies for improving profitability.
Jul 31, 2026
Explore the reasons behind the surge in restaurant bankruptcies in 2024 and strategies to navigate the challenges. Learn how operational decisions, reliance on third-party delivery, and discounting impact customer loyalty.
Photo by Luca Bravo
Photo by Luca Bravo
The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic brought unexpected challenges for the restaurant industry. While initial optimism surrounded the post-COVID years, the reality of persistent inflationary pressures has led to a surge in bankruptcies. Many renowned establishments like Red Lobster, BurgerFi, and Rubio’s, among others, have found themselves grappling with financial instability.
Photo by Luca Bravo
Industry experts highlight the repercussions of nearsightedness in operational decisions. Zach Goldstein emphasizes that decisions made several years ago are now haunting operators. The ease of obtaining debt in previous years led to overleveraging, which is now hindering necessary pivots for survival. Meredith Sandland notes the shift in financing dynamics, where funding once abundant is now scarce, impacting brand sustainability.
Photo by Luca Bravo
As operators strive to combat inflation, the reliance on third-party delivery and discounting poses significant challenges. Ellie Doty warns against underestimating the costs associated with off-premises business. Subpar delivery experiences can deter customer loyalty, emphasizing the need to prioritize quality service. Over-discounting, as highlighted by Andrew Smith, may provide short-term gains but erodes brand value and long-term profitability.
Photo by Luca Bravo
Creating long-term customer loyalty emerges as a paramount strategy in the face of cautious consumer spending. Industry leaders stress the importance of fostering genuine customer relationships over short-term tactics like discounts. A focus on delivering exceptional experiences, both on-premises and off-premises, can cultivate loyal patrons who transcend price sensitivity.